Where Is The Blz Airport Located?

Chileka International Airport, with the airport code BLZ, is located in the Republic of Malawi, Africa. It is situated 13km northwest of Blantyre, the country's commercial and financial capital and second-largest city. The airport has two asphalt-paved runways, and renovations to the main runway began in April 2019. Chileka is Malawi's second international airport, the other being Kamuzu International Airport in the capital city of Lilongwe.

Chileka International Airport's location

Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ, ICAO: FWCL) is located in Malawi, around 13km (or 16km according to other sources) northwest of Blantyre, the country's second-largest city and its commercial and financial capital. The airport is situated at an elevation of 2,555 feet (779m) above sea level and has two asphalt runways: 10/28, which is 2,325 by 30 metres, and 15/33, which is 1,372 by 30 metres. The geographical coordinates of the airport are 15°40'52.0"S, 34°58'18.0"E (Latitude:-15.681111; Longitude:34.971667).

Chileka International Airport is a medium-sized airport, offering both domestic and international flights. It features essential amenities such as lounges, shops, and restaurants. The airport is accessible by taxi, ride-sharing services, and public buses, which are available outside the terminal.

The airport's history dates back to around 1934 when a small number of tin huts and a dirt landing strip were constructed to support the Wenela service, transporting Malawian men to work in South African mines. At that time, other flights into Malawi were also conducted by flying boats arriving on Lake Malawi at Cape Maclear.

In the 1950s, the British Colonial Service was commissioned by the British government to construct the airport. They worked together with a Salisbury-based construction firm to build a full-service facility, including a main terminal building, a lounge, a restaurant, a viewing balcony, and an air traffic control tower. Supporting infrastructure, such as a fire station, hangars, staff housing, water towers, and electricity, was also developed.

Chileka International Airport is Malawi's second international airport, along with Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, the nation's capital city.

Blantyre, Malawi's commercial capital

Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ, ICAO: FWCL) is located in Malawi, Africa. The airport is situated 13 to 16 km northwest of Blantyre, the country's commercial and financial capital. Blantyre is Malawi's second-largest city and is sometimes referred to as the commercial and industrial capital of the country.

Blantyre, Malawi's commercial hub, is located in the Shire Highlands and is the geographical centre of the Southern Region of the country. It is a major transport and communications node, offering road, rail, and air connections to other parts of Malawi and neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania. The city covers an area of 228 square kilometres and is classified as a "National Urban Centre" within Malawi's hierarchical system of urban centres.

As the country's economic and financial centre, Blantyre is home to the Malawi Stock Exchange on Victoria Avenue. The city also hosts an annual international trade fair each May, showcasing the best of Malawian commerce, industry, agriculture, and information technology. Blantyre is Malawi's largest industrial centre, with eight designated industrial areas: Makata, Ginnery Corner, Maselema, Limbe, Chirimba, South Lunzu, Maone, and Chitawira. These sites host a variety of industries, with Makata and Limbe being the sole heavy industrial sites, accommodating over 30 companies.

Blantyre has a rich history, founded in 1876 through the missionary work of the Church of Scotland. The city was named after Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, the birthplace of the famous explorer David Livingstone. The city is also known for its sports centres, including the Kamuzu Stadium, which holds approximately 25,000 people and hosts international football games and major Malawian events.

Airport's history and construction

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (IATA: BZE, ICAO: MZBZ) is the largest and busiest airport in Belize, a country in Central America. It is located in Ladyville, about 10 miles or a 30-minute drive from Belize City, the largest city in Belize. The airport facilitates both international and domestic air services. It was constructed in 1943, with a 5,000-foot asphalt runway, a taxiway, and a small apron. A terminal building was added in 1944 and inaugurated on January 15, 1945. The airport was named after politician Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, who passed away in 2001.

Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ, ICAO: FWCL) is an international airport in Malawi, Africa. It is situated around 13-16 km northwest of Blantyre, the second-largest city in Malawi and its commercial and financial capital. The history of Chileka International Airport dates back to around 1934 when a few tin huts and a small dirt landing strip were built to support the Wenela service, transporting Malawian men to work in South African mines. In the 1950s, the British Colonial Service was commissioned by the British government to construct the airport, which included a main terminal building, a lounge, a restaurant, a viewing balcony, and an air traffic control tower.

Over the years, Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize has undergone various developments and improvements. It has been served by several major airlines, including TACA Airlines, British West Indian Airways (BWIA), and British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). In 1983, four airlines were operating jet services into the airport, including Air Florida, Servicio Aereo de Honduras (SAHSA), and TACA Airlines International. The airport has also hosted several military units due to the Belizean-Guatemalan territorial dispute.

Chileka International Airport in Malawi has also seen its fair share of renovations and expansions. In April 2019, scheduled renovations and extensions to the main runway began, causing a temporary closure of one of the runways. The airport continued to operate during this time, accommodating arrivals and departures of smaller aircraft on the alternate runway. Chileka International Airport accommodates various aircraft, including Douglas C-47 Dakota, Vickers VC.1 Viking, and de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver.

Renovation and extension projects

Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ, ICAO: FWCL) is located in Malawi, approximately 13km (or 16km according to other sources) northwest of Blantyre, the country's second-largest city and its commercial and financial capital.

In April 2019, Chileka International Airport underwent scheduled renovations and extensions to its main runway, 10/28. The runway has an asphalt surface and measures 2,325 metres in length and 30 metres in width. The renovations were expected to last for three months, with operations resuming in July 2019. However, due to several delays, the project took longer than anticipated, and the reopening date was postponed multiple times. Despite the closure of runway 10/28, the airport remained operational during the construction period. Arrivals and departures of smaller aircraft were handled using the shorter runway 15/33, which measures 1,372 metres in length and 30 metres in width.

The airport's history of renovations and extensions dates back to its early days. Initially, the site featured a small number of tin huts constructed around 1934, along with a dirt landing strip, which supported the Wenela service transporting Malawian men to work in South African mines. Later, in the 1950s, the British Colonial Service was commissioned by the British government to construct the airport. This construction project included a full-service facility with a main terminal building, a lounge, a restaurant, a viewing balcony, and an air traffic control tower. Supporting infrastructure, such as a fire station, hangars, staff housing, water towers, and electricity, was also developed.

Over time, Chileka International Airport underwent further enhancements to accommodate larger aircraft. Lengthening and reinforcement work was performed on the runway, enabling the airport to handle its first jet, the De Havilland Comet. These improvements have contributed to the airport's ability to facilitate various aircraft types, including the Douglas C-47 Dakota, Vickers VC.1 Viking, de Havilland Dove, and de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver.

Amenities and services offered

Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ, ICAO: FWCL) is located in Malawi, approximately 13km (or 16km according to other sources) northwest of Blantyre, the country's second-largest city and commercial and financial capital. The airport is at an elevation of 2,555 feet (779m) above sea level and has two asphalt-paved runways.

Chileka International Airport offers essential amenities and services to travellers. Here is a detailed list of the amenities and services offered by the airport:

• Lounges: The airport has comfortable lounges where passengers can relax and wait for their flights.
• Restaurants: There are restaurants available at the airport, offering a variety of dining options for travellers.
• Viewing Balcony: Passengers can also enjoy a unique viewing balcony, providing a great spot to watch aircraft coming and going.
• Shops: Various shops are available at the airport, offering convenience and the opportunity for last-minute purchases.
• Public Transport: Public buses are available outside the airport terminal, providing convenient and affordable transportation to the city centre.
• Taxi and Ride-sharing Services: Travellers can easily find taxis or use ride-sharing services such as Uber or Bolt to get to their desired destinations.
• Air Traffic Control: The airport is equipped with an air traffic control tower, ensuring safe and efficient aircraft movement.
• Supporting Infrastructure: Chileka International Airport also has supporting infrastructure, including a fire station, hangars, staff housing, water towers, and electricity.

Frequently asked questions